Myself, AB getting out quickly was a big blow, says Kohli

Bengaluru: Virat Kohli was dignity personified in defeat but did admit that he did not feel good finishing second best as he termed his and AB de Villiers dismissal as the “big blow” in their defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL final.

“Definitely proud of the way we played this season. This was for people of Bengaluru. They have supported in worst of seasons. We would have been loved to be on other side of result. We went for a few but wicket was nice. Me and AB getting out close to each other was a big blow. Had I stayed with AB a little longer, it would have been different,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Asked about his own 973 runs and the ‘Orange Cap’ Kohli said: “It is a nice incentive, but it does not feel good to be at the other side of the result. Why Sunrisers won is because they have a strong bowling attack. I knew I was hitting the ball well and I just wanted to keep contributing. Why not, records are meant to be broken.”

On his four hundreds, he said: “I surprised myself there. I opened the innings, someone batting at No.3 or No.4 may not have scored much. Most sixes in the tournament surprised me. I am happy with the award. I don’t want to talk much. The winning team deserves the place here.”

Man of the Match Ben Cutting said: “Nice to get a few out of the middle tonight. To finish off that last over was special. That’s beautiful thing about Bangalore.”

Having won twin world titles, it was Yuvraj Singh’s first IPL triumph and he was happy.

“Great performance from the team. We came back strongly. Bhuvi and Fizz (Mustafizur), great finish in the end. As long as the trophy comes, I don’t mind injuries, it is a great effort,” said Yuvraj.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan said: “It has been a great season for me and the team. Davey lead from the front from the first game. It has been a great journey. I feel our team is balanced. As the tournament went ahead, we put big runs on the board. Cutting has played just two or three matches, but has performed well.”

The ‘King of Death’ Bhuvneshwar Kumar said: “I just had to keep myself composed. Getting yorkers right in the best way to bowl yorkers. Warner just said to keep my cool and bowl the yorkers.”
PTI